Last Tuesday, I (Helena) had a Christmas dinner at Vaxholm Castle with my work. The Christmas table was served in the atmospheric vaults of the castle, and we were offered lots of good dishes. Above all, it was a nice excursion by boat, to and from Vaxholm.
Table of contents
Boat trip to and from Vaxholm
The job had booked an 'afternoon session', which meant that we started with a boat trip on the Cinderella from Strandvägen in Stockholm at 13:00. We were served mulled wine and gingerbread on the boat, and the workplace had organised a quiz.
A very nice way to start the Christmas table! When we arrived, we were greeted by Christmas decorations, small cosy fires and a small "welcome committee" serving hot apple juice outside the entrance. Atmospheric and nice!
What is Vaxholm Castle?
Vaxholm Castle or Vaxholm Fortress is an old fortification on the island of Vaxholmen, in the strait between the town of Vaxholm and Rindö in the Stockholm archipelago. The original fortress was built in the early 16th century and has helped protect Stockholm twice: in 1612 when the Danes attacked and in 1719 when the Russians entered the Stockholm archipelago.
The current fortress was built in 1863, but the development of weapons was so rapid at this time that it was soon realised that the fortress would not withstand an attack with modern artillery. As early as 1877, the defence was moved from Vaxholm to Oxdjupssundet where the Oscar-Fredriksborg had been built.
The fort continued to be used for training and administration for the Coastal Artillery until 2005 when the military operations moved to Berga in Haninge. Today the castle is used for conferences, concerts, events, parties and dinners.
Christmas table at Vaxholm Castle
The Christmas table was set up in cosy arches inside the castle when we arrived. There were many types of herring on the Christmas table, and I like that. Gin and tonic herring was new this year, and it was really good. The roe herring was also a favourite, as was the roe egg, which by the way was perfectly cooked, lightly roe-cooked and slightly creamy. The Gubbröran, on the other hand, was a bit tame in flavour, we thought.
In addition to many types of herring, there were at least as many different varieties of salmon and plenty of cold cuts, pâtés and sausages. There were also hot dishes such as meatballs, red cabbage and Jansson's temptation, and a small section with vegetarian dishes. Those who wanted to could also order lutefisk or pig's feet, for example!
Desserts and sweets
You don't really need much dessert after a real Christmas dinner, but a little sweet after the meal is of course good! On the table with sweets we found cheese and marmalade, rice á la malta, pickled pears and lots of small cakes and treats ... After the sweets we had time for a short walk before the boat picked us up for the journey back to town at 16:30.
Good to know
Christmas dinner at Vaxholm Castle is suitable for families, groups of friends and companies. If you wish, you can combine the Christmas dinner with an introductory activity at the castle, such as the "prisoners at the castle". Mulled wine and gingerbread are served during the boat trip from Strandvägen.
Have you eaten Christmas dinner in a restaurant this year, or are you planning to do so?
Facts about Christmas table at Vaxholm Castle
- Get here: You can book a boat from Strandvägen in Stockholm or from Vaxholm. Other ways to get to the castle are to take a car or bus to Vaxholm harbour, and from there take a taxi boat.
- Prices: This year's Christmas table costs SEK 395-495 for afternoon seating and SEK 495-695 for dinner seating (2018).
- Vegetarian: There are vegetarian options. The Christmas table included root vegetable gratin, kale, Brussels sprout salad, vegetarian meatballs and vegetarian sausages.
- Read more: You can read more at the castle's website.
Ann says:
God so much good, the herring looks very good. But I think I'm still full from last weekend's Christmas table 😛 I wonder how it is that you always get so suuuper full when you eat Christmas food 🙂 .
06 December 2018 - 7:26
Helena says:
Yes, it does fill you up! A lot of protein perhaps 😉
06 December 2018 - 22:17
Across the board says:
Christmas dinner can be good, but I don't actually miss it. Maybe because the weather does not invite "heavy" food but mostly salad and fruit.
06 December 2018 - 17:58
Helena says:
The climate up here in the cold north is better suited for Christmas food, I think 😉.
06 December 2018 - 22:18
Matts Torebring says:
Looks very nice and good. I have a dream myself, to come to Ulriksdal and eat Christmas dinner there.
06 December 2018 - 20:09
Helena says:
I've heard it's nice! There are many places to choose from 🙂
06 December 2018 - 22:19
BP says:
Dregel, dregel! Like the idea of attaching the signs to "happy" apples too, pleasing to the eye. Not a fan of herring, but love salmon and the thick slices appeal to me the most. Different.
A friend's son works at the castle, so I hope the staff can eat the "leftovers";-)
06 December 2018 - 20:16
Helena says:
Nicely decorated at all! Yes, let's hope that the staff gets the leftovers 🙂.
06 December 2018 - 22:19
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Herring and salmon are my favourites on the Christmas table too!
Your Christmas table looked really delicious!
I will be eating Christmas dinner next Thursday at Karstorp's conference centre near the hospital. For a couple of years now they have been serving the Christmas table as "tapas". We think it sounds very nice (maybe you don't eat too much then, or maybe it's the other way round).
06 December 2018 - 20:31
Helena says:
It sounds nice with a tapas Christmas table 🙂 .
06 December 2018 - 22:20
Maria / Magnolia Magis says:
Oh it looked good! It reminds me of when the husband and I were on a Christmas table several years ago at Spiken's fish camp here in the neighbourhood. Their speciality then was Christmas table with many herring pickles and many different types of fish! Do not know if it is still there but it was the best Christmas table ever! We have not been hungry for Christmas dinner for several years but now we feel like trying the restaurant here at the campsite. We have seen their Christmas table through the window when we passed by... Looks very nice and good. Posts will come when we have tried it!
Have fun!
06 December 2018 - 21:40
Helena says:
The herring and fish are the best 🙂 Looking forward to your Christmas table post! 🙂
06 December 2018 - 22:22
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
I can eat potatoes and crispbread at home, so I avoid them on the Christmas table. This year we are taking the opportunity to eat all the good Christmas food now before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, PT organises the Christmas dinner so it will surely be something good too and he is also a pastry chef so our cakes for dessert.
06 December 2018 - 23:49
Lena - good for the soul says:
What a generous event you were invited to! We will have to make do with a Christmas plate in the lunch room. But I'm happy with that. I don't get too excited about food. Nice, but I still can't eat as much as there is on a Christmas table.
We charged the Christmas season with a Christmas-inspired brunch at Hasselbacken. Cosy! Then there will probably only be a couple of occasions at home.
Hug Lena
07 December 2018 - 7:47
Helena - Oh darling, let's be adventurers says:
How cosy you seem to have been at the Christmas table.
10 December 2018 - 16:34